But Murray insisted the hat-tricks of victories won’t impress the rest of the world.

He said: “I think winning a couple of rounds at a French Open is good for the UK but I don’t think France or Spain or a lot of the Argentinians would be very impressed by that.

“A lot of the other nations have multiple players going deep into the Grand Slams and ultimately that’s where you want to try to get to.

Andy Murray walks on the court at Roland Garros as he prepares to serve to Facundo Arguello in the first round (Image: REUTERS)

“Tennis in the UK is obviously a big sport, there’s a lot of money invested in it, so you want to try to get as much depth as possible.

“It’s great but I don’t think the other countries are looking at it and saying, ‘It’s great you have two or three players in the second round of a Grand Slam.’”

Murray, who has won his last two tournaments on clay, was never in any danger as he beat Arguello 6-3 6-3 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Scot then dashed over to Court Seven to watch Edmund complete his epic 2-6 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-2 win over Robert in the last match to finish.

Yorkshireman Edmund was touched by the gesture and said: “Andy didn’t have to come out and watch me but he did and that just shows he really cares. I’m just very fortunate someone like that is keen to help me.

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“He texted me after the match saying: ‘Really well done. I’m really pleased for you. First five-setter. It’s a great achievement’ and stuff.”

Edmund, 20, will face Aussie Nick Kyrgios in the next round, with the winner scheduled to face Murray in round three.

New British No.2 Aljaz Bedene, who gained UK citizenship in March, lost 6-3 6-4 6-7 6-3 to world No.31 Dominic Thiem of Austria.

In the women’s tournament, Watson came back from 2-4 down in the first set to beat flaky French wildcard Mathilde Johansson 6-4 7-5.

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Spain's Rafael Nadal lifts the French Open trophy for a record ninth time (Image: Getty Images)